Download Muscle Model Activities

Muscle Model Activities
Activity 1
1. Join two rulers as shown in the diagram above.
1a. What do you think the rulers represent?
1b. What does the place where the two rulers meet represent?
2. Inflate the balloon only about one-quarter of the way full. It will just make a little
bubble in the latex. Tie the balloon.
3. Tie each end of the balloon to each ruler as shown in the picture above.
3a. What does the balloon represent?
4. Open and close the rulers to observe the balloon.
4a. Describe what happens.
4b. Explain how these actions are similar to bones and muscles?
Activity 2
Muscle cells are generally long and narrow, like fibers. When similar ones work
together, they form a fibrous bundle that is held together by a tough membrane. Several
bundles are gathered together and wrapped in another membrane to form the muscle
tissue. Tendons make-up the wrapping membrane.
Now, we are going to make a model of a muscle.
1. Take 6 straws from your stack. Each straw represents a muscle fiber (muscle cell).
2. Wrap plastic wrap around the straws (only one layer).
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 four more times.
4. Now, wrap all of your smaller bundles together in one large bundle. Be sure to leave
a few inches of wrap loose at both ends of the bundle. This large bundle is like muscle
tissue.
4a. What do you think the wrap hanging loose is for?
4b. What does the loose wrap represent?
5. Sit on the edge of your chair and put your hand underneath your knee (in the bend).
Bend and straighten your leg while feeling the two large tendons that connect the
muscles to your bones.
6. When instructed by the teacher, take the plastic wrap off all of the straws. Throw the
plastic wrap away, but return the straws to the teacher.